Charleston Southern Buccaneers charge toward Big South season
Charleston Southern’s Shaundre Mims can’t wait for the season to start.
“Our whole defensive line is back!” exclaimed Mims, a senior defensive tackle who is getting mentioned on a number of FCS all-America preseason lists. “We’re all on the same page, and I think this could be a big year for us.”
The Buccaneers are picked to finish fourth in the Big South and could be poised to make some noise this fall. They’ll certainly get some regional attention, with games against FBS foes East Carolina and Georgia.
Rival Big South coaches say the Bucs will be a defensive power. In addition to Mims and his linemates, the secondary is strong. Cody Cline, a product of Cox Mill High just outside of Charlotte, is a preseason All-Big South selection who is coming off a big spring season.
All 11 starters return on defense. In addition to Cline and Mims, both preseason first-team all-conference picks, the Bucs have second-team all-conference players in linebacker Justin McIntire and defensive lineman Nick Salley.
The question is whether Charleston Southern will be able to run the ball effectively. That was a problem in the Bucs’ spring season. netting just 386 yards and four touchdowns rushing in their four games. Their offense fared better passing the ball with 1,004 total yards and seven scores.
“We have some new faces there, and they look good,” quarterback Jack Chambers said. “I think you’ll see a lot of improvement there.”
Can’t-miss game
▪ Monmouth, Sept. 18
The Buccaneers open their season Sept. 11 at their city rival, The Citadel. And they finish the regular season Nov. 20 at College Football Playoff contender Georgia. But the big game will be at 6 p.m. on Sept. 18, when the Bucs host Big South favorite Monmouth. It will be Charleston Southern’s Big South opener, and a victory could open the way for a conference title run.
A successful season is …
The schedule is tough, so a .500 season or anything better will be a good step for coach Autry Denson in his third season at the helm. Finishing in the top three of the Big South is a goal.